Floppy Hat Faye

Faye Meldrum

Faye is 3 years old. She loves dolls, pink and "purpur" (purple), princesses, and taking care of babies (including helping you change their "dappers"). She has a sweet, soft voice that melts your heart whenever she talks. When her hair is fixed don't mess it up! And when it's not, she likes to wear her floppy hat. She has two brothers, Mitchell (6) and Nixon (1 week). Mitchell and Faye are best friends. Mitchell is a kind, loving big brother and Faye adores him. Her parents are Nick and Stacey Meldrum. They're natives of Utah, but currently live in College Station, Texas where Nick works. Which means they are far from extended family and friends.

In December, Faye began complaining about her leg and didn't want to walk on it. Her parents took her to the ER. The doctor took an x-ray and when nothing looked broken he told them it was probably growing pains and to give her Advil. They did so and it helped. But her leg pain kept coming and going. She needed pain medication most days. She kept getting colds and flues off and on. And when she did her leg pain flared up. She has had a hard time sleeping and often needed her mom or dad to lay with her and rub her legs to help her sleep. Even when she appeared well she would tell her family, "I can't. I'm sick." and "I'll feel better when I get big."

In March it became obvious that these were not growing pains and, even though their new insurance didn't kick in until April 1st, they determined to take her back to the doctor. This time they were told that she needed to get over her current virus before they could do further tests.

On April 4th Faye's baby brother, Nixon, was born via an unplanned C-section 10 days early. Faye's virus had passed and was able to see her new brother, but wasn't too excited about it all. (Now we know how crummy she must've been feeling.) On April 8th, Nixon had his first pediatrician appointment and Faye went along to get a blood test and x-ray.

The next day, Nick received a call from the pediatrician's office explaining that Faye's hemoglobin levels were critically low and she needed to get to the ER as soon as possible. At the ER, they retested her blood and had the same results. Her hemoglobin level was 6.7. The normal range for her age is 11-13. They said they were surprised she could move. She received an IV and was there for a few hours where her mom was able to come and see her.

Then, she slept as an ambulance took her to Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, 2 hours from their home. Her blood was tested again and she was admitted on the Hematology/Oncology floor. That night she had a blood transfusion to bring up her hemoglobin level.

The next day, the specialists looked at her blood, but could not be conclusive. They didn't want to speculate, so Nick and Stacey were left to wonder and prepare themselves for the worst. And that's just what it was. Faye had a bone marrow biopsy the following day and was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on April 11th (exactly 1 week after Nixon was born). This type of leukemia is very rare in children and harder to get rid of than its more common counterpart (ALL). The subtype has not been determined yet. (Their are 8 types of AML: M0-M7.) She had a spinal tap today and some good news! It hasn't reached her spinal fluid! It is mainly located in her bone marrow with only a small amount in her blood.

Today she started phase 1 of up to 5 phases of chemo-therapy. The number of phases depends on further tests and how her cells react to the chemo. After 2 or 3 phases, it may be necessary to give her a bone marrow transplant. Each phase lasts about 28 days. She will have a small break and then move on to phase 2 and so on. The doctors do not recommend that she go home during her breaks. So she will live in the hospital at least the next 6 months.

Because chemo kills the white blood cells as well as the cancer cells her immune system will be very vulnerable. If anyone is even slightly sick or has been around someone sick they won't be able to be with her. Nick felt a sore throat coming on and had to let Stacey and Nixon stay with her tonight. It's his first time away from Faye since this started and it's tearing him up.

Faye has thrown up 3 times today. And the picc line is hurting her arm. But she is such a brave girl! She is glad that "They're going to fix my knees."

Being at a hospital in Houston poses additional challenges. Stacey has to drive 2 hours each way with a baby every day in order to see her daughter. But Faye's mood improves immediately upon seeing her mom and she's been asking for her older brother. So, he gets to miss a little school.

This little family are my favorite people on earth. Nick and Stacey are an amazing couple who are ALWAYS there for someone in need and whose tremendous faith is not only holding them up but their families as well. They are not angry and they're not asking "Why us?" They have recognized the Lord's hand all along the way and are quick to point out their blessings.

We know that the Lord never said we will be spared from trials, but that he will comfort and strengthen us if we let him. Prayers and fasting are powerful and Nick and Stacey are so thankful to everyone who has petitioned the Lord on Faye's behalf. Please continue! And please donate if you are able. Besides the astronomical medical bills, they will need so much in order to stay in hotels, drive back and forth, eat at the hospital, and provide new activities for Faye. There is a donate button and email address at the top of the blog. Thank you so much for being a support to this family. Please leave your words of encouragement for them to read.

Faye with her new little brother.

In the ER at College Station. They gave her a puppy!

Riding the ambulance with her dad. Looks comfy, right?

She loves this rocking chair in her room.

The view from her window.